Ceramic Flattening Stone

[pompon44]

Hi,

I've bought a flattening stone ( http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Ice- ... -32262.htm ), and I'm surprised to see that the top (assuming I'm not mistaken to think the grooved part is the top... ;-) ) is not flat.

How can that work ? Am I missing something here ?

Regards,

 

[David C]

Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with this problem.

Last time I asked, The answer was, "Well this is only for removing gross errors, as in schools".

I find this most unsatisfactory.

Do ask APTC Technical what thay think???? Lets see what sort of service you can get from them!

It could maybe be flattened on a concrete block, not sure I would want to use diamond on such a coarse object. Maybe 100 grit Al Ox paper??

David C

 

[Paul Chapman]

I've heard it mentioned before that ceramic stones are very good - except they are seldom flat :? :? :? :?

Paul

 

[pompon44]

Well, I *did* send an email to APTC's "technical center" a few days ago, and got no answer, and so came here ;-)

Too bad. I was seduced by the idea to avoid sandpaper to flatten my stones... Which I find awkward, as I liked the idea of waterstone being a sharpening medium where you invest once and then simply use it. But then if you need piles of sandpaper sheets...

BTW, the bottom of the flattening stone seem to be in a much better state. Might simply use that ?

 

[David C]

Either side will be work fine.

You could try to flatten the device. Or you could demand refund.

Dont let APTC get away with that, phone either customer care or technical dept. They are a good firm and will sort you out eventually.

This stuff drives me nuts. Tools which do not function as "advertised", we have all been meekly accepting these things for far too long.

Trade description act.... Fit for purpose......

David C

 

[ByronBlack]

I also had the ceramic stone 'Ice bear' from axminster, and that was particularly flat either. But the Ice Bear waterstone in general is excellent, so personaly I would persrvere and flatten the ceramic stone, then you'll be on your way.

 

[pompon44]

Hi David,

Well, you know, phone calls in English for a frog is not an easy matter ;-)
Think I'll start by another mail to APTC's customer service (instead of technical) and see how it goes.

Regards,

 

[seanybaby]

Hey pompon, did you get anywhere with this?

I ask as i was going to buy the same product.

 

[MrJay]

I've just had the pleasure of recieving of those little treasures too. It's precisely flat to within +/- 1.5mm

 

[pompon44]

Hi,

Well, I cannot recommend this product :-(
I got Axminster send me a new one (with the vague hope that the first one was simply defectuous), and it was as non-flat as the first one. With Axminster's consent I did not have to send back either one, but they basically collect dust so far.

Just my 2 eurocents ;-)

 

[mr]

Best thing I've found for flattening waterstones or maintaining flatness is a piece of dry wall screen. It lasts a goodly while, i just run it under the tap when done and then slap it against the side of the workshops belfast sink where it sticks until next time.
Cheers Mike

 

[JesseM]

What I found that worked for me was silicon carbide grit and a glass plate. Its still tough going but it does work. Coarser ceramic stones are easier. My spyderco ultra fine is like some kind of alien material its so hard :twisted:

 

[DuncanvdH]

I have the Norton flattening stone, that accompanies the Norton water stones and is sold by , among others, Veritas. I use it often and have flattened it on a glass plate with a piece of wet-and-dry 120 paper. It does save a lot of sandpaper.

Note that both the Norton stone, and the one sold by Dick are both much more expensive than this icebear stone.

Duncan

 

[seanybaby]

Thanks for the reply guys

I think i have decided on using dry wall screen. I like what mirboo did here https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11289&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

Which screen is best to get? Also where from?

Cheers

 

[George_N]

Thanks for the reply guys

I think i have decided on using dry wall screen. I like what mirboo did here https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11289&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

Which screen is best to get? Also where from?

Cheers

I got drywall screen in my local B&Q warehouse. It comes in 120 and 220 grit versions...can't remember the brand name though.

 

[seanybaby]

Cheers George,

I got a pack of Oakley from a normal B&Q. It contains a 2 pieces, 120 and 220.
Just need some glass now

 

[mr]

Cheers George,

Just need some glass now

OR an offcut of Kitchen worktop etc?

 

[seanybaby]

Is kitchen worktop flat enough?

I was going to get some glass, as i want to flatten the sole of any old Stanley 4 from ebay. Can you flatten planes with kitchen worktop?

 

[mr]

I use an offcut of kitchen worktop for the drywall screen, it works well enough as far as I can see. I haven't tried lapping a plane sole though so I can't say. A piece of glass wont cost much if you want to take that route. I only mention the worktop offcut in case you had something like that knocking about the workshop already.

Cheers Mike